Slovenia | The Guardianhttp://www.theguardian.com/football/slovenia
Latest news and features from theguardian.com, the world's leading liberal voiceen-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2015Sun, 02 Aug 2015 21:18:22 GMT2015-08-02T21:18:22Zen-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2015The Guardianhttp://assets.guim.co.uk/images/guardian-logo-rss.c45beb1bafa34b347ac333af2e6fe23f.pnghttp://www.theguardian.com
Jack Wilshere admits he needs to score more goals for Englandhttp://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jun/15/jack-wilshere-england-slovenia-goals
• ‘The top midfielders were always on the scoresheet’<br />• Double against Slovenia opens international account<br /><p>Jack Wilshere’s first England goals were as spectacular as they were important but he knows if he is to become one of the country’s top midfielders, scoring needs to become a regular feature of his game.</p><p>It took until his 28th international appearance to open his account but his goals in the <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jun/14/slovenia-england-euro-2016-qualifier-match-report">3-2 victory in Slovenia</a> were worth the wait.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jun/14/wayne-rooney-strength-character-roy-hodgson-england">Wayne Rooney’s character lauded by Roy Hodgson after England win</a> </p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jun/15/jack-wilshere-england-slovenia-goals">Continue reading...</a>Jack WilshereEnglandSloveniaEuro 2016 qualifiersEuro 2016ArsenalFootballSportMon, 15 Jun 2015 09:50:04 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jun/15/jack-wilshere-england-slovenia-goalsPhotograph: Darko Bandic/APJack Wilshere watches the ball hit the back of the net in the 3-2 defeat of Slovenia. Photograph: Darko Bandic/APPhotograph: Darko Bandic/APJack Wilshere watches the ball hit the back of the net in the 3-2 defeat of Slovenia. Photograph: Darko Bandic/APPress Association2015-06-15T09:50:04ZRoy Hodgson hails Wayne Rooney's performance for England against Slovenia – videohttp://www.theguardian.com/football/video/2015/jun/15/roy-hodgson-wayne-rooney-england-slovenia-video
Roy Hodgson, the England manager, praises captain Wayne Rooney's performance in the Euro 2016 qualifier against Slovenia on Sunday. England beat Group E rivals Slovenia on Sunday 3-2 thanks to two goals from Jack Wilshere in the 57th and 73rd minutes and then a goal from Rooney in the 86th minute to secure the match for England <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/video/2015/jun/15/roy-hodgson-wayne-rooney-england-slovenia-video">Continue reading...</a>EnglandWayne RooneyRoy HodgsonSloveniaEuro 2016 qualifiersEuro 2016FootballSportMon, 15 Jun 2015 09:39:06 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/video/2015/jun/15/roy-hodgson-wayne-rooney-england-slovenia-videoguardian.co.uk140x84 trailpic for Roy Hodgson hails Rooneys performance against Slovenia - videoGuardian Staff2015-06-15T09:39:06ZEuro 2016 qualifiers: six talking points from the latest actionhttp://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/jun/15/euro-2016-qualifiers-talking-points
Shaun Maloney has impressed for Scotland, Republic of Ireland look out of date and Wales under Chris Coleman have discovered a winning formula<p>The previous time Wayne Rooney came up against Bostjan Cesar it ended with the Slovenian centre-half being injured for five weeks and making it clear that he held the striker responsible. It was, according to Cesar, a “stupid, stupid tackle” that Rooney apparently inflicted on him in England’s 3-1 win at Wembley, though he insisted he was not after revenge in the return game in Ljubljana. “On the pitch I am very aggressive and I enjoy the fight in physical games, but I don’t want to kill him.” He did, however, leave his calling card in the form of the forearm smash into the side of Rooney’s head during England’s 3-2 win and, putting aside for one moment the story of England’s captain and Sir Bobby Charlton’s goals record, that was a moment to demonstrate why the Manchester United player is now entrusted with the armband.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jun/14/wayne-rooney-strength-character-roy-hodgson-england">Wayne Rooney’s character lauded by Roy Hodgson after England win</a> </p><p>• <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jun/14/slovenia-england-euro-2016-qualifier-match-report">Match report: Slovenia 2-3 England</a><br />• <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jun/14/wayne-rooney-strength-character-roy-hodgson-england">Rooney’s character lauded by Hodgson</a><br />• <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/jun/14/jack-wilshere-no-regrets-england-thunderbolts">Dominic Fifield on Jack Wilshere’s impressive display</a></p><p><strong>• </strong><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jun/13/republic-of-ireland-scotland-euro-2016-group-d-match-report">Match report: Republic of Ireland 1-1 Scotland </a><br /><strong>• </strong><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/jun/13/martin-oneill-ireland-scotland-european-championship-qualifier">Ewan Murray: O’Neill now faces battle to stop career petering out</a><br /><strong>•</strong> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jun/13/fai-shred-match-programmes-containing-john-delaney-fifa-criticism">FAI shreds 18,000 match programmes with Delaney Fifa comments</a></p><p><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jun/13/republic-of-ireland-martin-oneill-advantage-scotland">• O’Neill claims Scotland’s Naismith ‘refereed the game</a></p><p><strong>• </strong><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jun/12/wales-belgium-euro-2016-qualifying-match-report">Match report: Wales 1-0 Belgium</a><br /><strong>• </strong><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/jun/12/gareth-bale-wales-belgium-inspirational">Bale proves full value with inspirational display for Wales </a><br /><strong>• </strong><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jun/13/chris-coleman-wales-belgium-euro-2016">Coleman: ‘We have to stop thinking of ourselves as little old Wales</a></p><p><strong>• </strong><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jun/12/belgium-fans-trust-satnav-end-up-in-wrong-wales">Belgium fans trust sat nav and end up in the wrong Wales</a></p><p><strong>• </strong><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jun/13/northern-ireland-romania-euro-2016-qualifying-match-report">Match report: Northern Ireland 0-0 Romania</a></p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/jun/15/euro-2016-qualifiers-talking-points">Continue reading...</a>Euro 2016 qualifiersEnglandSloveniaScotlandRepublic of IrelandWalesBelgiumNorthern IrelandRomaniaEuro 2016FootballMon, 15 Jun 2015 07:58:08 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/jun/15/euro-2016-qualifiers-talking-pointsPhotograph: Glyn Kirk/AFP/Getty ImagesGareth Bale and Wales team-mates celebrate the deciding goal against Belgium.Photograph: Glyn Kirk/AFP/Getty ImagesGareth Bale and Wales team-mates celebrate the deciding goal against Belgium.Photograph: Getty/Action/PAShaun Maloney is Scotland’s man of the qualifying campaign, Wales have fostered a thou-shalt-not-pass attitude, were Belgium affected by speculation over manager Marc Wilmots’ future and Northern Ireland are now the architects of their own fate.Photograph: Getty/Action/PAShaun Maloney is Scotland’s man of the qualifying campaign, Wales have fostered a thou-shalt-not-pass attitude, were Belgium affected by speculation over manager Marc Wilmots’ future and Northern Ireland are now the architects of their own fate.Guardian sport2015-06-15T07:58:08ZEngland’s poor defending undermines Roy Hodgson’s attacking intent | Michael Coxhttp://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/jun/14/england-defending-roy-hodgson-attack-slovenia
England’s offside trap was hopeless for Slovenia’s opening goal and it might be that Gary Cahill and Chris Smalling are simply on different wavelengths<p>This dramatic victory should really have been much more comfortable, considering England dominated the entire contest. Poor finishing, rather than poor tactics, were the reasons England needed to dig deep in the second half.</p><p>England started on the front foot, with Jack Wilshere again outstanding in his deep-lying midfield role. Clearly, a match where England were almost permanently in possession suits the Arsenal man, but he nevertheless impressed by nipping in ahead of opponents to regain possession quickly, and provided some urgency to England’s play with typical darting runs and one-twos.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jun/14/slovenia-england-euro-2016-qualifier-match-report">Slovenia 2-3 England | Euro 2016 qualifier match report</a> </p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/jun/14/england-defending-roy-hodgson-attack-slovenia">Continue reading...</a>Football tacticsEnglandSloveniaEuro 2016 qualifiersEuro 2016FootballSportSun, 14 Jun 2015 19:58:49 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/jun/14/england-defending-roy-hodgson-attack-sloveniaPhotograph: Srdjan Zivulovic/ReutersGary Cahill, right, and Phil Jones wonder how 36-year-old Milivoje Novakovic was able to spring England’s offside trap and score Slovenia’s opening goal. Photograph: Srdjan Zivulovic/ReutersPhotograph: Srdjan Zivulovic/ReutersGary Cahill, right, and Phil Jones wonder how 36-year-old Milivoje Novakovic was able to spring England’s offside trap and score Slovenia’s opening goal. Photograph: Srdjan Zivulovic/ReutersMichael Cox2015-06-14T19:58:49ZWayne Rooney’s character lauded by Roy Hodgson after England winhttp://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jun/14/wayne-rooney-strength-character-roy-hodgson-england
<p>• Striker floored by Bostjan Cesar’s arm just moments eaerlier<br>• <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/jun/14/jack-wilshere-no-regrets-england-thunderbolts">‘Jack Wilshere’s whole performance was quality’</a> says manager<br>• <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jun/14/slovenia-england-euro-2016-qualifier-match-report"> Match report: Slovenia 2-3 England</a></p><p>Roy Hodgson praised Wayne Rooney’s strength of character after his captain retained his composure following a series of missed chances, and his discipline having been elbowed, to conjure the winner which hauled him level with Gary Lineker as England’s joint second-leading scorer.<br /></p><p>Rooney, floored by Bostjan Cesar’s flailing arm moments earlier, pounced on Bojan Jokic’s mistake four minutes from time to slide his 48th goal for his country beyond Samir Handanovic and maintain England’s perfect record in Group E. The 29-year-old is one shy of Sir Bobby Charlton’s record, with San Marino awaiting in September when qualification can effectively be secured. His eight goals in 10 internationals have contributed heavily to the side’s unbeaten record this season.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jun/14/slovenia-england-euro-2016-qualifier-match-report">Slovenia 2-3 England | Euro 2016 qualifier match report</a> </p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jun/14/wayne-rooney-strength-character-roy-hodgson-england">Continue reading...</a>EnglandWayne RooneyRoy HodgsonSloveniaEuro 2016 qualifiersEuro 2016FootballSportSun, 14 Jun 2015 19:53:08 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jun/14/wayne-rooney-strength-character-roy-hodgson-englandPhotograph: Stu Forster/Getty ImagesJack Wilshere lets fly to score his second goal.Photograph: Stu Forster/Getty ImagesJack Wilshere lets fly to score his second goal.Photograph: Michael Regan/The FA CollectionWayne Rooney celebrates scoring England's winner against Slovenia Photograph: Michael Regan/The FA CollectionPhotograph: Michael Regan/The FA CollectionWayne Rooney celebrates scoring England's winner against Slovenia Photograph: Michael Regan/The FA CollectionDominic Fifield at Stadion Stozice2015-06-14T19:53:08ZJack Wilshere leaves no room for regrets with England thunderbolts | Dominic Fifieldhttp://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/jun/14/jack-wilshere-no-regrets-england-thunderbolts
The fit again midfielder showed his worth <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jun/14/slovenia-england-euro-2016-qualifier-match-report" title="">in the win over Slovenia</a> with a fine all-round display capped by two long-range goals<p>Jack Wilshere had publicly addressed his regrets in the days leading up to this fixture. At The Grove in Watford he had mulled over those ankle injuries which have so often tripped up his progress, his mind drifting from months spent anchored in the treatment room to the times he had been outed, often on social media, with a cigarette in hand. Memories of “mistakes on a night out” clearly still grate though performances like this will help them fade. England will go into the summer lull with the Arsenal midfielder’s brilliance seared on the brain.</p><p>The national team, probably more even than Wilshere’s club side given the number of attack-minded creators lured to the Emirates Stadium by Ars&egrave;ne Wenger, are desperate for the 23-year-old to thrive at this level. Successive managers have enjoyed flashes of his natural talent, Fabio Capello benefiting from his injury-free presence five times while Roy Hodgson has pondered how best to eke out the player’s best. This was only his 28th cap as he approaches the fifth anniversary of his debut. If the frustration has been his fitness, this display offered confirmation of just how much he still offers. Admittedly Slovenia are a team ranked 48th in the world in a qualifying group England have all but won, and far greater tests await. But Wilshere is learning, adapting, improving. His goals after the interval at the Stozice stadium were reward for all those hours of painstaking rehabilitation.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/jun/14/jack-wilshere-no-regrets-england-thunderbolts">Continue reading...</a>EnglandJack WilshereEuro 2016 qualifiersSloveniaEuro 2016FootballSun, 14 Jun 2015 19:26:50 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/jun/14/jack-wilshere-no-regrets-england-thunderboltsPhotograph: Stu Forster/Getty ImagesJack Wilshere, second right, scores his and England's second goal against Slovenia. Photograph: Stu Forster/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Stu Forster/Getty ImagesJack Wilshere, second right, scores his and England's second goal against Slovenia. Photograph: Stu Forster/Getty ImagesDominic Fifield at Stadion Stozice2015-06-14T19:26:50ZSlovenia 2-3 England: how the players ratedhttp://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jun/14/slovenia-england-player-ratings-jack-wilshere
Jack Wilshere’s pair of stunning goals put him head and shoulders above the rest in England’s dramatic victory in Ljubljana<p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jun/14/slovenia-england-euro-2016-qualifier-match-report">Slovenia 2-3 England | Euro 2016 qualifier match report</a> </p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jun/14/slovenia-england-player-ratings-jack-wilshere">Continue reading...</a>EnglandSloveniaEuro 2016 qualifiersFootballSportSun, 14 Jun 2015 18:47:45 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jun/14/slovenia-england-player-ratings-jack-wilsherePhotograph: Stu Forster/Getty ImagesTwo searing left-footers from Jack Wilshere turned the game around for England against Slovenia. Photograph: Stu Forster/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Stu Forster/Getty ImagesTwo searing left-footers from Jack Wilshere turned the game around for England against Slovenia. Photograph: Stu Forster/Getty ImagesNick Ames2015-06-14T18:47:45ZSlovenia 2-3 England | Euro 2016 qualifier match reporthttp://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jun/14/slovenia-england-euro-2016-qualifier-match-report
<p>At this rate, it cannot be long before someone in the camp suddenly announces that England are looking good to win Euro 2016. Let’s hope they can continue to operate with a measure of restraint and remember, for instance, the opponents in their latest victory are sandwiched between Congo and Cameroon at 48th in Fifa’s world rankings. Yet this is now six straight wins in qualifying and, after trailing at half-time and defending far too generously, there was something striking about the way Roy Hodgson’s team maintained their run.</p><p>They certainly showed competitive courage during a second half in which Jack Wilshere scored his first international goals with a pair of beautifully delivered left-foot finishes from outside the penalty area and, on the balance of play, there can be no doubt the late winner from Wayne Rooney was thoroughly deserved.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jun/14/slovenia-england-euro-2016-qualifier-match-report">Continue reading...</a>Euro 2016 qualifiersSloveniaEnglandEuro 2016Jack WilshereWayne RooneyFootballSportSun, 14 Jun 2015 18:05:03 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jun/14/slovenia-england-euro-2016-qualifier-match-reportPhotograph: Stu Forster/Getty ImagesJack Wilshere fires in his and England’s second goal in the Euro 2016 qualifier in Slovenia before Wayne Rooney pounced late on to win the game. Photograph: Stu Forster/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Stu Forster/Getty ImagesJack Wilshere fires in his and England’s second goal in the Euro 2016 qualifier in Slovenia before Wayne Rooney pounced late on to win the game. Photograph: Stu Forster/Getty ImagesDaniel Taylor at Stadion Stozice2015-06-14T18:05:03ZSlovenia v England: Euro 2016 qualifier – as it happenedhttp://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2015/jun/14/slovenia-england-euro-2016-qualifier-live
<p>England went nine points clear at the top of Group E thanks to two goals from Jack Wilshere and a winner from Wayne Rooney</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-06-14T18:54:08.481+01:00">6.54pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>All of which means that England have six wins from six matches in Group E and stand nine points clear of Slovenia, their closest rivals. </strong>They made a bit of a meal of this one and the best sides will definitely not be worried about playing them but they got there in the end thanks to two stunning goals from Jack Wilshere and Wayne Rooney’s winner, and they’ve now gone on an entire season unbeaten for the first time in 24 years. Hooray! Thanks for reading and emailing. Bye. </p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-06-14T18:51:19.456+01:00">6.51pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>That’s your lot! Good old England. “What a finish to the match, and to Andy’s ITV commentating career,” says Simon McMahon. “If anything, Slovenia played almost too well.”</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-06-14T18:50:08.722+01:00">6.50pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>90 min+2:</strong> Kampl picks up a booking for dissent.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-06-14T18:48:35.302+01:00">6.48pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>90 min+3:</strong> There will be three minutes of stoppage time.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-06-14T18:48:19.512+01:00">6.48pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>89 min:</strong> My mistake. Apologies to Ilic. It wasn’t a heavy challenge from him, Sterling actually jarred his knee badly as he chased the Slovenia defender. Fortunately he gets to his feet after a while, a little gingerly, and limps away. That could have been much worse.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-06-14T18:46:51.434+01:00">6.46pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>88 min:</strong> Raheem Sterling is down after a heavy challenge from Ilic, who must be a Liverpool fan.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-06-14T18:46:26.990+01:00">6.46pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>This is absurd! Theo Walcott slides a ball through to Rooney from the middle and the Slovenia defence falls to pieces. They’re all over the place! Where are the defenders? Where have they gone? They’re nowhere to be seen and Rooney gives Handanovic the eyes, sends him one way and shapes a low right-footer into the bottom-right corner! England are back in front and Rooney now has as many goals for England as Gary Lineker. He’s one behind Sir Bobby Charlton.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-06-14T18:44:07.431+01:00">6.44pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>85 min:</strong> England bring on Nathaniel Clyne for Fabian Delph. Henderson moves back into the middle.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-06-14T18:43:41.457+01:00">6.43pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>England’s lead didn’t last long. Kampl knocks a pass down the left to Jokic. His cross to the far post is brilliant and Pecnik powers above Kieran Gibbs and thuds an unstoppable downward header to Hart’s left and into the bottom corner!</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-06-14T18:41:48.049+01:00">6.41pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>83 min:</strong> Slovenia have stirred. They’re pushing for an equaliser.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-06-14T18:38:04.712+01:00">6.38pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>79 min:</strong> Lazarevic replaces Kurtic.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-06-14T18:36:41.711+01:00">6.36pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>77 min:</strong> Cesar is very to still be on the pitch. He catches Rooney in the face with an elbow, but although a free-kick is awarded, the Slovenia captain isn’t even booked. That was a ridiculous challenge.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-06-14T18:34:50.713+01:00">6.34pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>74 min:</strong> Theo Walcott replaces Andros Townsend.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-06-14T18:34:18.375+01:00">6.34pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>The first one was good. The second one is special. This is a spectacular goal from Jack Wilshere and England have come back from a goal down to lead. A backheel from Adam Lallana sparked the move and Wilshere took the ball in his stride, moved forward a couple of yards - in the words of Andy Townsend, he was in and around the edge - and Slovenia backed off. The ball was bobbling a tad but Wilshere laced it with his left foot from 25 yards and it flew at a ferocious pace into that same top-right corner! Handanovic didn’t move an inch. You know what they say about England goals. You wait 28 games for your first one and then two come along like some big red mode of public transport.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-06-14T18:30:49.738+01:00">6.30pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>72 min:</strong> Slovenia bring on Pecnik for Kirm.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-06-14T18:28:31.152+01:00">6.28pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>70 min:</strong> The sun goes up, the sun goes down, the sun goes up, the sun goes down, Andros shoots, the ball goes wide.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-06-14T18:27:30.394+01:00">6.27pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>69 min: </strong>Sterling heads the ball down for Lallana in the area. He takes the ball down on his chest, but his hurried shot is harmless. “I didn’t agree with much of the thinking behind the article about Andy Townsend being better than most people would have you believe,” says Adnan Syed. “But catch him on his day on ITV2 or 4 during an early Europa League game when his audience is small and there is no cause for Come on England platitudes and analysis fed through a jingoistic gut, and he shows actual knowledge of European football and footballers. Give him a game where Rooney is chasing goalscoring records and the Premier League Ltd are in town, and he is pretty terrible as a broadcaster.”</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-06-14T18:24:01.042+01:00">6.24pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>66 min: </strong>Brecko drifts a cross into the area from the right. Novakovic is the wrong side of Henderson but he can’t reach the ball at the far post.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-06-14T18:22:01.625+01:00">6.22pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>63 min:</strong> Is this Andy Townsend’s leaving present? The ITV feed dies for a few moments and is replaced by a blank screen. Happily normal service is restored quickly.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-06-14T18:20:28.657+01:00">6.20pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>62 min: </strong>Delph strides forward and attempts to thread a low sidefooter into the bottom corner from 20 yards. Handanovic makes a comfortable save.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-06-14T18:19:59.989+01:00">6.19pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>61 min: </strong>Valter Birsa replaces Ilicic.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-06-14T18:19:18.126+01:00">6.19pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>59 min:</strong> Rooney fluffs his lines in front of goal again! Townsend races to the byline on the left and pulls the ball back to Rooney, who mistimes his shot from eight yards out, scuffing it harmlessly wide with his left foot. Oh dear. What a miss.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-06-14T18:18:09.599+01:00">6.18pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>58 min:</strong> The mood has changed. Sterling skedaddles through the heart of the Slovenia defence and into the area. He’s tackled. Penalty? If it was a foul, the referee plays an advantage, the ball running to the right for Rooney, who has a clear sight of goal. He should score. He sidefoots it over the bar.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-06-14T18:17:02.203+01:00">6.17pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>England use their creativity to break Slovenia down! They’re level. Raheem Sterling won possession outside the Slovenia area and charged towards goal. He was tackled but the ball broke to Lallana on the right. He twisted and turned and for a moment he looked like getting a shot away. He was tackled, falling to ground as the challenge came in, but Slovenia couldn’t clear properly. The ball came to Wilshere 25 yards from goal and he ripped a stunning effort past Handanovic and into the top-right corner! Handanovic got a hand to the ball but he couldn’t keep it out. That’s Wilshere’s first goal for England.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-06-14T18:13:51.602+01:00">6.13pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>55 min:</strong> Slovenia seem happy to sit back and protect their lead. It’s up to England to use their creativity to break them down. “Since Kampl is a ringer for the Man with the Thistledown Hair in <em>Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell, </em>I’m dubbing the second half “Operration: Lost Hope.”,” parps Robert Lemon. “It confirms the widespread view that magic has not been seen in England for generations.” </p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-06-14T18:11:56.141+01:00">6.11pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>54 min:</strong> Henderson slashes a shot miles wide from 30 yards. Bring back Steven Gerrard.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-06-14T18:11:33.217+01:00">6.11pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>52 min: </strong>Okay, England have altered their formation a tad. It’s still four at the back, despite Jones going off, but Lallana is playing further forward than Henderson was.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-06-14T18:09:51.626+01:00">6.09pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>52 min: </strong>Lallana appears on the edge of the Slovenia area and clips a pass through to Rooney, who hasn’t held his run. The flag goes up for offside.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-06-14T18:07:34.695+01:00">6.07pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>49 min: </strong>Jordan Henderson has moved to right-back. England haven’t altered their formation. Jones has a minor ankle injury.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-06-14T18:05:49.008+01:00">6.05pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>48 min:</strong> Townsend tries another shot from 25 yards. It’s blocked.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-06-14T18:04:12.220+01:00">6.04pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>46 min: </strong>Slovenia get us going again.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-06-14T18:02:53.801+01:00">6.02pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>England have brought on Adam Lallana</strong> for the injured Phil Jones.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-06-14T17:55:08.291+01:00">5.55pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>The prolific Novakovic, no less.</strong></p><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Our back four has just been caught square by a player who is 36 and scored 1 in 13 in the J League for Grampus Eight.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-06-14T17:51:57.476+01:00">5.51pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>In defence of England’s defence, perhaps they thought that they could push up given that Novakovic is 36. </strong>But having done so, he shouldn’t have been quick enough to get away from them.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-06-14T17:48:26.712+01:00">5.48pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>England have played much worse than this but they’re behind at the break. They didn’t take their chances and they’ve been made to pay.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-06-14T17:46:02.707+01:00">5.46pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>43 min:</strong> It ultimately led to nothing, but I enjoyed some showboating from Kritc in the middle just now. Slovenia are bursting with confidence after that goal!</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-06-14T17:43:19.577+01:00">5.43pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>40 min:</strong> Why did England push up when there was so much space behind them? They were asking for trouble. </p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-06-14T17:42:42.544+01:00">5.42pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>England might have controlled the majority of the game, but it’s Slovenia who have landed the first telling blow with their first coherent attack. And although It’s a wonderfully constructed goal from Slovenia’s point of view, England’s defending was highly unimpressive. Ilicic drifted inside from the right, showing quick feet and an adventurous spirit, and he spotted the well-timed run of Novakovic. England’s defence had pushed up so high. The pass was easy. Novakovic was onside and through on goal as he ran into the right side of England’s area. Hart advanced but Novakovic kept his composure and just rolled the ball past him and just inside the far post! England’s unbeaten record is under threat now!</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-06-14T17:36:50.123+01:00">5.36pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>35 min:</strong> Townsend cuts inside and shoots low with his left foot from 25 yards. A decent effort, but Handanovic isn’t overly troubled.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-06-14T17:34:49.931+01:00">5.34pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>32 min:</strong> England are still controlling the game. The final pass is eluding them at the moment, though.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-06-14T17:30:59.023+01:00">5.30pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>29 min:</strong> I should stress that I just want Owen to have some space, you don’t want to smother someone on your first holiday together.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-06-14T17:30:23.193+01:00">5.30pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>28 min:</strong> Henderson’s fizzing free-kick is headed away in the six-yard box. “Michael Owen is destroying the Real Madrid Legends defence right now, and he looks sharper than anyone playing in the current England squad,” says Pjotr. “Roy needs to get him out of retirement pronto.” I’d take Owen to France next summer. Then I’d leave him there.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-06-14T17:29:09.696+01:00">5.29pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>27 min:</strong> Sterling, up all night watching videos of Denilson on YouTube, produces an array of stepovers just outside the area on the left. He’s fouled. England have a free-kick.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-06-14T17:27:07.586+01:00">5.27pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>25 min:</strong> A free-kick to Slovenia on the left. Illicic swings it into the England area with his left foot and Ilic peels away from his man and lets the ball slide off his bonce and towards goal. Where was the marking? Luckily for England, the header is straight at Hart.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-06-14T17:24:34.470+01:00">5.24pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>22 min:</strong> England are getting closer. Fabian Delph makes like a Yorkshire Iniesta, bursting through the middle, beating a defender with a stepover, and poking a pass to Rooney, in space to his left. Rooney is on the edge of the area. He shifts the ball on to his left foot and skelps a low shot towards the far corner. It’s heading in, until Handanovic gets the faintest of touches to the shot and turns it just past the post. What a save!</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-06-14T17:22:26.636+01:00">5.22pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>19 min:</strong> Sterling is looking dangerous. He’s England’s biggest threat. He surges to the byline on the left and flashes a low cross across the face of goal, the ball skidding through the six-yard box and to safety, no England forward able to apply a telling touch. If anyone had read that, it would have been a certain goal. </p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-06-14T17:20:43.245+01:00">5.20pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>17 min:</strong> Slovenia are beginning to settle.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-06-14T17:18:43.925+01:00">5.18pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>15 min:</strong> “Did I just hear Andy Townsend say “Never a bad ball that sometimes”?” says Peter Harmer. “I can’t decide if it’s the least logical thing anyone has ever said or whether Townsend is just operating on a much higher intellectual plane than the rest of us. Actually, no wait, I can decide…”</p><p>Will you miss Townsend? My colleague, Marcus Christenson, made the convincing case<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/jun/13/andy-townsend-farewell-itv-england-slovakia"> here</a> that we shouldn’t criticise Townsend. </p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-06-14T17:16:18.151+01:00">5.16pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>14 min:</strong> Better. Phil Jones finds Wayne Rooney just inside Slovenia’s half. He swivels and sprays a pass out to Sterling on the left. He scythes inside, on to his right foot, and drills a shot inches past the right post, Handanovic flat-footed in the Slovenia goal. Sterling’s shot actually took a nick off a defender. Corner to England. It comes to nothing.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-06-14T17:14:34.667+01:00">5.14pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>13 min:</strong> A scrappy couple of minutes. That’s more like it. Or, as Andy Townsend might say, better. </p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-06-14T17:13:11.122+01:00">5.13pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>11 min: </strong>England are bossing possession. When they play like this, it’s hard to see this unbeaten run ever coming to an end.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-06-14T17:10:25.458+01:00">5.10pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>8 min:</strong> Wilshere glides beautifully away from his marker in the middle, plays a one-two with Delph and advances towards the Slovenia area. He decides against a shot and instead feeds a pass to Gibbs on the left. His low cross is deflected behind by Brecko. The corner comes to nothing. But this has been an encouraging, open start from England.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-06-14T17:08:27.076+01:00">5.08pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>6 min:</strong> Slovenia mount their first proper attack and win a corner on the left. It’s swung to the near post and Novakovic’s glancing header is diverted over by Phil Jones. Goal-kick to England! “Hello Jacob, and I would like to take issue with Jarrell Anthony’s assertion that Andros’ pace is “suspect”,” says Michael Cosgrove. “‘Real’ or ‘genuine’ pace are highly debatable enough as it is, but ‘suspect pace’? My style guide says no.”</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-06-14T17:07:17.291+01:00">5.07pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>4 min: </strong>England should be ahead. Rooney pops up just outside the area, collecting a pass sharply, turning and prodding a clever pass through to Sterling with the outside of his right foot. Sterling, darting inside from the left, is through on goal. The ball sits up nicely for him and Handanovic is a few yards off his line, so Sterling tries a lob. He steers the ball over Handanovic, but it doesn’t drop in time and it loops over the bar. Oh dear. That might knock a few million pounds off the asking price.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-06-14T17:05:33.614+01:00">5.05pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>3 min:</strong> Townsend uses his real and genuine and authentic pace drives down the right and, get this, cuts inside on to his left foot. He’s tripped just outside the area. The free-kick is on the corner of the box. England try a training ground routine. With everyone expecting a cross, Townsend attempts a pass to Henderson on the edge of the area, but Slovenia are alive to the danger.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-06-14T17:03:45.506+01:00">5.03pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>2 min:</strong> The atmosphere is brilliant. The Slovenian fans are making an almighty racket. It’s weird they’ve managed to create such a good atmosphere without the aid of some simpleton blasting out chart music over the PA system. It will never catch on, fans creating noise organically.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-06-14T17:02:32.882+01:00">5.02pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>Moments before kick-off, Roy Hodgson is grumbling about the position of a touchline camera. </strong>He’s not happy! Presumably he thinks it’s too close to the pitch. But there’s nothing he can do, his complaints falling on deaf ears, and we are off! England, all in red, get the game underway, kicking from right to left in the first half. Slovenia are in white.<strong> “</strong>I think Andros Townsend’s pace was described as “real” in the sense that it’s realistic, for a human being, to be as quick as Andros Townsend,” says Harry Tuttle.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-06-14T16:58:47.959+01:00">4.58pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>This is Andy Townsend’s final game commentating for ITV.</strong> If anything, he’s commentated too well.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-06-14T16:58:09.688+01:00">4.58pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>That’s the anthems done and dealt with. Mike Mackenzie is back for more. </strong>“Actually I suspect that the oldtimers match between Liverpool and Real Madrid might be the most entertaining game today,” he says.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-06-14T16:56:42.788+01:00">4.56pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>Here come the teams. “</strong>Not only has Mr. Roy picked Jones ahead of Clyne for some unfathomable reason,” says Mike Mackenzie. “Townsend ahead of Walcott is not encouraging. Along with Rooney being usually lackadaisical at end of season England matches and Sterling in a slump I don’t expect much in the way of attack. Hope I’m wrong ...”</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-06-14T16:55:36.203+01:00">4.55pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>The atmosphere is rocking. The Slovenia fans are up for this. </strong>“Did Glenn Hoddle just advocate selecting Andros Townsend over Theo Walcott on the grounds that he “brings <strong>real pace</strong>”?!” says Jarrell Anthony. I’ve always been baffled by the use of “real” or “genuine” when talking about pace, but in those terms I would say that pace doesn’t come much realer than Walcott’s; Andros’ pace has always come across as quite suspect.”</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-06-14T16:31:05.605+01:00">4.31pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>Have some of this, Lithuania!</strong> Yeah, bet that hurt! Have that! And there’s some left over for you, Estonia! And especially you, San Marino! Come here, Norway, we aren’t finished yet! England!</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-06-14T16:29:54.374+01:00">4.29pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>On the one hand, England are unbeaten since the World Cup and this is undoubtedly impressive and exciting news that should ensure that they will be the favourites at Euro 2016 next summer.</strong> On the other hand, shut up.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-06-14T16:27:19.233+01:00">4.27pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>Here’s the first email of many emails.</strong> “Afternoon Jacob,” says Simon McMahon. “This could certainly be fun. Who’s the referee? Is it Steven Naismith?”</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-06-14T16:22:28.930+01:00">4.22pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>Fans of irrelevant statistics will be delighted to hear that England will have gone a whole season unbeaten if they avoid defeat this evening.</strong> I know! The last time they managed that was under Graham Taylor in the 1990-91 season - and look what good that did them! </p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-06-14T16:17:04.288+01:00">4.17pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>Selecting Phil Jones instead of Nathaniel Clyne at right-back </strong>ensures that this is going to be an afternoon of F.U.N.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-06-14T16:11:43.752+01:00">4.11pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>Slovenia: </strong>Slovenia: Handanovic, Brecko, Ilic, Cesar, Jokic, Ilicic, Mertelj, Kurtic, Kirm, Kampl, Novakovic. <strong>Subs:</strong> Oblak, Andelkovic, Samardzic, Beric, Birsa, Lazarevic, Rotman, Pecnik, Milec, Verbic, Vidmar. </p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-06-14T16:00:03.760+01:00">4.00pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>Hello. </strong>It’s important to focus on the positives when England are playing. And look at it this way: when this match is over, I’m going out for a steak. Come on, England! </p><p><strong>Nope, there’s not too much enthusiasm about England these days. </strong>It’s unlikely that anyone has their hooks hotly tentered in anticipation of this match, certainly not after England’s dismal 0-0 friendly draw with the Republic of Ireland last week, when 22 men ambled around the Aviva pitch, kicked the ball a bit, yawned a few times, had . At one point, Jordan Henderson took the opportunity to have a nap in the centre circle, a lovely 15-minute snooze that was never in danger of being interrupted by someone asking him to WAKE UP AND PROVIDE SOME ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE PAYING PUBLIC. Mr Roy admitted the game wasn’t much of a spectacle. “Did I enjoy the game?” he said. “No. Did I think we played well? No. Did the players think we played well? No.” </p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2015/jun/14/slovenia-england-euro-2016-qualifier-live">Continue reading...</a>Euro 2016 qualifiersSloveniaEnglandEuro 2016FootballSportSun, 14 Jun 2015 17:54:08 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2015/jun/14/slovenia-england-euro-2016-qualifier-livePhotograph: Michael Regan/The FA via Getty ImagesCaptain Wayne Rooney enjoys England’s win.Photograph: Michael Regan/The FA via Getty ImagesCaptain Wayne Rooney enjoys England’s win.Photograph: Stu Forster/Getty ImagesEngland manager Roy Hodgson shouts instructions from the touchline.Photograph: Stu Forster/Getty ImagesEngland manager Roy Hodgson shouts instructions from the touchline.Photograph: Stu Forster/Getty ImagesJack Wilshere lets fly to score his second goal.Photograph: Stu Forster/Getty ImagesJack Wilshere lets fly to score his second goal.Photograph: Srdjan Zivulovic/ReutersAndros Townsend and Slovenia’s Bojan Jokic eye the ball.Photograph: Srdjan Zivulovic/ReutersAndros Townsend and Slovenia’s Bojan Jokic eye the ball.Photograph: Stu Forster/Getty ImagesJack Wilshere is congratulated by Wayne Rooney.Photograph: Stu Forster/Getty ImagesJack Wilshere is congratulated by Wayne Rooney.Photograph: Stu Forster/Getty ImagesA fan climbs the netting under the scoreboard.Photograph: Stu Forster/Getty ImagesA fan climbs the netting under the scoreboard.Photograph: John Sibley/ReutersSlovenia’s coach Srecko Katanec urges his team on.Photograph: John Sibley/ReutersSlovenia’s coach Srecko Katanec urges his team on.Photograph: Stu Forster/Getty ImagesEngland’s Phil Jones , Fabian Delph, Joe Hart and Wayne Rooney during the national anthem.Photograph: Stu Forster/Getty ImagesEngland’s Phil Jones , Fabian Delph, Joe Hart and Wayne Rooney during the national anthem.Photograph: John Sibley/Action Images via ReutersEngland players warm up before the start.Photograph: John Sibley/Action Images via ReutersEngland players warm up before the start.Photograph: Mike Egerton/PAEngland’s Jack Wilshire is hugged by his captain Wayne Rooney.Jacob Steinberg2015-06-14T17:54:08ZSlovenia v England: Roy Hodgson and Wayne Rooney hoping for unbeaten season - videohttp://www.theguardian.com/football/video/2015/jun/14/slovenia-england-roy-hodgson-wayne-rooney-video
England manager Roy Hodgson says his current squad deserves credit for remaining unbeaten in their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign. Having won seven games and drawn two, Rooney says completing the season without a loss would be 'a great achievement' after England crashed out of the World Cup last year. England will meet Slovenia on Sunday <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/video/2015/jun/14/slovenia-england-roy-hodgson-wayne-rooney-video">Continue reading...</a>Euro 2016 qualifiersRoy HodgsonFootballSportEnglandSloveniaWayne RooneySun, 14 Jun 2015 10:29:51 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/video/2015/jun/14/slovenia-england-roy-hodgson-wayne-rooney-videoguardian.co.uk140x84 trailpic for Slovenia v England: Roy Hodgson and Wayne Rooney hoping for unbeaten season - videoGuardian Staff2015-06-14T10:29:51ZEngland’s Wayne Rooney plans to put World Cup in past against Sloveniahttp://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jun/13/england-wayne-rooney-world-cup-slovenia
<p>• Raheem Sterling and Andros Townsend may start for England<br>• England bid for a first unbeaten season in 24 years<br>•<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jun/07/england-republic-of-ireland-match-report"> England held to goalless draw by Republic of Ireland</a></p><p>Wayne Rooney believes England have made huge strides since the trauma of last summer’s World Cup, with the captain urging his players to win in Slovenia on Sunday and go unbeaten in a season for the first time in 24 years.</p><p>England have not lost since succumbing to Luis Su&aacute;rez’s winner for Uruguay in S&atilde;o Paulo, with nine of their 10 games without defeat since then having come this season. Victory at the Stozice Stadium would maintain their perfect record in Group E and put them nine points clear of their hosts, something achieved with a relatively young side after the retirements of Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole over the last year.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jun/13/england-wayne-rooney-world-cup-slovenia">Continue reading...</a>EnglandWayne RooneySloveniaEuro 2016Euro 2016 qualifiersFootballSportRaheem SterlingRoy HodgsonSat, 13 Jun 2015 21:30:08 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jun/13/england-wayne-rooney-world-cup-sloveniaPhotograph: Michael Regan - The Fa/The FA via Getty ImagesWayne Rooney warms up with Jack Wilshere and other England players at the Stozice Arena in Ljubljana, Slovenia. Photograph: Michael Regan/The FA via Getty ImagesPhotograph: Michael Regan - The Fa/The FA via Getty ImagesWayne Rooney warms up with Jack Wilshere and other England players at the Stozice Arena in Ljubljana, Slovenia. Photograph: Michael Regan/The FA via Getty ImagesDominic Fifield in Ljubljana2015-06-13T21:30:08ZRoy Hodgson looking for England relief against Slovenia – not more griefhttp://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jun/13/roy-hodgson-england-slovenia-euro-2016-qualifier
<p>The England manager, still smarting over that poor World Cup, would like his side to put on a show in their Euro 2016 qualifier against Slovenia but places gaining a result above the entertainment factor</p><p>In the bowels of the Stozice Stadium, Roy Hodgson could be found turning his mind back to the long, difficult days after the World Cup when he tried to get away from everything by heading to the place his son, Chris, keeps in Miami, on the basis that there were much fewer people there to ask questions, try to be sympathetic or anything else to remind him of England’s shortcomings in the World Cup.</p><p>Hodgson likened it to a process of “grieving” and admitted he would probably never get over it properly bearing in mind the only real way would be to win the next competition. “Grieving is too strong a word, perhaps, but there is a process,” he said. “When you build up your hopes and expectations, harbouring dreams of seeing your team play well, and it doesn’t happen … there’s a period where you have to come to terms with that. You have to give yourself time to get back in some sort of balance.”</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/jun/11/samir-handanovic-slovenia-england-euro-2016">England face tall task to beat Slovenia’s goalkeeper Samir Handanovic | Jonathan Wilson</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jun/13/adam-lallana-liverpool-england-slovenia">Adam Lallana remains determined to improve for Liverpool and England</a> </p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jun/13/roy-hodgson-england-slovenia-euro-2016-qualifier">Continue reading...</a>EnglandEuro 2016 qualifiersRoy HodgsonWayne RooneySloveniaEuro 2016FootballSportSat, 13 Jun 2015 21:30:08 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jun/13/roy-hodgson-england-slovenia-euro-2016-qualifierPhotograph: Stu Forster/Getty ImagesThe England manager Roy Hodgson addresses Wayne Rooney and his team-mates during a training session before Sunday's Euro 2016 qualifier against Slovenia in Ljubljana. Photograph: Stu Forster/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Stu Forster/Getty ImagesThe England manager Roy Hodgson addresses Wayne Rooney and his team-mates during a training session before Sunday's Euro 2016 qualifier against Slovenia in Ljubljana. Photograph: Stu Forster/Getty ImagesDaniel Taylor in Ljubljana2015-06-13T21:30:08ZEuro 2016 qualifiers: England confident ahead of Slovenia match – videohttp://www.theguardian.com/football/video/2015/jun/12/euro-2016-qualifiers-england-slovenia-video
England's Fabian Delph and Joe Hart discuss their strategy ahead of their team's match against Slovenia on Sunday. England have won all matches and conceded only one goal during their qualifying campaign. Hart says his squad has been working hard on improving their defensive work since the World Cup last year <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/video/2015/jun/12/euro-2016-qualifiers-england-slovenia-video">Continue reading...</a>Euro 2016 qualifiersSportEnglandSloveniaFootballJoe HartFri, 12 Jun 2015 13:15:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/video/2015/jun/12/euro-2016-qualifiers-england-slovenia-videoguardian.co.uk140x84 trailpic for Euro 2016 qualifiers: England confident ahead of Slovenia match - videoGuardian Staff2015-06-12T13:15:00ZEngland face tall task to beat Slovenia’s goalkeeper Samir Handanovic | Jonathan Wilsonhttp://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/jun/11/samir-handanovic-slovenia-england-euro-2016
<p>Internazionale player who saved six penalties in a row last season presents a formidable barrier to Roy Hodgson’s side in their Euro 2016 qualifier on Sunday</p><p>Jan Oblak performed heroics when Benfica drew 0-0 away to Juventus in the second leg of the Europa League semi-final last season. He projects a confidence that makes him appear taller than his 6ft 1in. He secured a move to Atl&eacute;tico Madrid at the age of 21 as the long-term replacement to Thibaut Courtois and, although he has largely played second fiddle to Miguel &Aacute;ngel Moy&agrave; this season, Oblak is widely regarded as one of the best young goalkeepers in the world. He even shares a surname with probably the greatest Slovenian footballer ever, Branko Oblak, but he is some way from becoming the first choice for his country and is unlikely to face England in their Euro 2016 qualifier in Ljubljana on Sunday. It’s a joke as old as international football itself: if we’re being kind to Josip Ilicic, Slovenia probably have three top-class players; two of them are goalkeepers.</p><p>Samir Handanovic is 30, so at least Oblak will get his chance at some point, but it looks like being a while yet. The player, who joined Internazionale from Udinese in July 2012, is the model of a modern goalkeeper. At 6ft 4in, he is tall enough to command his box without being so tall that he struggles to get down for low shots. He is muscular without being so well-built that he loses agility. He may not be quite so comfortable with the ball at his feet as, say, V&iacute;ctor Vald&eacute;s or Hugo Lloris, but neither is he line-bound or incapable of initiating attacks from the back.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/jun/11/samir-handanovic-slovenia-england-euro-2016">Continue reading...</a>Euro 2016 qualifiersSloveniaEnglandEuro 2016InternazionaleAtlético MadridFootballSportThu, 11 Jun 2015 16:11:14 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/jun/11/samir-handanovic-slovenia-england-euro-2016Photograph: Liu Jin/AFP/Getty ImagesSlovenia's goalkeeper Samir Handanovic is tall and well-built but agile with excellent reflexes. Photograph: Liu Jin/AFP/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Liu Jin/AFP/Getty ImagesSlovenia's goalkeeper Samir Handanovic is tall and well-built but agile with excellent reflexes. Photograph: Liu Jin/AFP/Getty ImagesJonathan Wilson2015-06-11T16:11:14ZWayne Rooney can smash England goal record – Gary Lineker and Michael Owenhttp://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jun/10/wayne-rooney-england-goal-record-gary-lineker-michael-owen
• Rooney needs two to equal Bobby Charlton’s 49 England goals<br />• ‘I wish Wayne well with it, it’ll be a brilliant achievement’ – Lineker<p>Two of England’s greatest strikers have backed Wayne Rooney to become the country’s most prolific goalscorer. Gary Lineker and Michael Owen say it is only a matter of time before the Manchester United forward surpasses Sir Bobby Charlton’s record of 49 international goals.</p><p>Rooney has scored 47 goals so far for England, leaving him third in the country’s all-time scoring charts – or fourth if you include own goals, of which England have benefited from 48. Charlton is top, while Lineker struck 48. Rooney is already above Jimmy Greaves (44) and Owen (40), and will be aiming to increase his tally when <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/fixtures" title="">England visit Slovenia on Sunday</a>.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jun/09/chris-smalling-england-manchester-united-slovenia">Chris Smalling says he feels stronger as he faces up to England challenge</a> </p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jun/10/wayne-rooney-england-goal-record-gary-lineker-michael-owen">Continue reading...</a>Wayne RooneyEnglandEuro 2016 qualifiersGary LinekerMichael OwenSloveniaFootballSportWed, 10 Jun 2015 21:30:04 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jun/10/wayne-rooney-england-goal-record-gary-lineker-michael-owenPhotograph: Richard Heathcote - The Fa/The FA via Getty ImagesWayne Rooney has scored 47 goals for England – two behind Sir Bobby Charlton's record of 49. Photograph: Richard Heathcote - The Fa/The FA via Getty ImagesPhotograph: Richard Heathcote - The Fa/The FA via Getty ImagesWayne Rooney has scored 47 goals for England – two behind Sir Bobby Charlton's record of 49. Photograph: Richard Heathcote - The Fa/The FA via Getty ImagesPaul Doyle2015-06-10T21:30:04ZChris Smalling says he feels stronger as he faces up to England challengehttp://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jun/09/chris-smalling-england-manchester-united-slovenia
• Defender feels he has capitalised on void at Manchester United<br />• Smalling hopeful of 18th cap against Slovenia on Sunday<p>Chris Smalling believes he has emerged stronger from a “make or break season” at Manchester United, with the defender eager to maintain recent progress and ensure he plays an integral role for England.</p><p>The centre-half earned his 17th cap in Sunday’s <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jun/07/england-republic-of-ireland-match-report" title="">goalless draw against the Republic of Ireland</a>, starting alongside Gary Cahill, and will compete with Phil Jagielka for a place in Roy Hodgson’s lineup against Slovenia in Sunday’s Euro 2016 qualifier in Ljubljana. The 25-year-old recognised an opportunity had presented itself at club level following the departures of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand last summer, and his form duly earned him the armband in the absence of Wayne Rooney and, in April, a new four-year contract.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/jun/07/republic-of-ireland-england-five-talking-points">Republic of Ireland v England: five talking points</a> </p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jun/09/chris-smalling-england-manchester-united-slovenia">Continue reading...</a>Euro 2016 qualifiersEnglandManchester UnitedSloveniaFootballSportTue, 09 Jun 2015 21:30:02 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jun/09/chris-smalling-england-manchester-united-sloveniaPhotograph: Lee Smith/Action Images via ReutersEngland’s Chris Smalling, right, was picked ahead of Phil Jagielka for Sunday’s friendly against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin. Photograph: Lee Smith/Action Images via ReutersPhotograph: Lee Smith/Action Images via ReutersEngland’s Chris Smalling, right, was picked ahead of Phil Jagielka for Sunday’s friendly against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin. Photograph: Lee Smith/Action Images via ReutersDominic Fifield2015-06-09T21:30:02ZRoy Hodgson expects below-par Wayne Rooney to spur on England in Sloveniahttp://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jun/08/roy-hodgson-wayne-rooney-england-slovenia-euro-2016-qualifier
• Hodgson will not tolerate a similar display as Sunday’s in Dublin<br />• ‘I had no reason to be angry but it is reminding people of their responsibilities’<p>Roy Hodgson’s dissatisfaction with England’s performance <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jun/07/england-republic-of-ireland-match-report" title="">against the Republic of Ireland</a> has led to him “reminding people of their responsibilities” and making it clear to Wayne Rooney that he expects more from his captain when they play their Euro 2016 qualifier in Slovenia on Sunday.</p><p>Rooney’s lethargic performance was typical of England’s shortcomings in Dublin and although Hodgson was careful not to lose his temper despite remaining unbeaten since the World Cup, the England manager did tell his players he would not tolerate the same happening again this weekend.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jun/07/england-raheem-sterling-boos-dublin-jeers">England’s Raheem Sterling given no respite by boo boys in Dublin | Dominic Fifield</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jun/07/roy-hodgson-england-raheem-sterling">Roy Hodgson tells England’s Raheem Sterling to toughen up after boos</a> </p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jun/08/roy-hodgson-wayne-rooney-england-slovenia-euro-2016-qualifier">Continue reading...</a>Euro 2016 qualifiersEnglandRoy HodgsonWayne RooneyRaheem SterlingRoss BarkleySloveniaFootballSportMon, 08 Jun 2015 21:30:07 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jun/08/roy-hodgson-wayne-rooney-england-slovenia-euro-2016-qualifierPhotograph: Stu Forster/Getty ImagesThe England captain, Wayne Rooney, put in a lethargic performance in the friendly against the Republic of Ireland. Photograph: Stu Forster/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Stu Forster/Getty ImagesThe England captain, Wayne Rooney, put in a lethargic performance in the friendly against the Republic of Ireland. Photograph: Stu Forster/Getty ImagesDaniel Taylor2015-06-08T21:30:07ZFabian Delph and Adam Lallana miss England traininghttp://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jun/04/fabien-delph-adam-lallana-england-training
• Aston Villa midfielder carrying minor injury from FA Cup final<br />• Liverpool’s Lallana absent for birth of child<br />• England face Ireland followed by Euro 2016 qualifier against Slovenia<p>Fabian Delph and Adam Lallana missed England training at St George’s Park on Thursday.</p><p>The England squad continued their preparations for the matches against the Republic of Ireland and Slovenia at the national football centre in Burton upon Trent but neither Delph nor Lallana featured.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jun/04/fabien-delph-adam-lallana-england-training">Continue reading...</a>EnglandRepublic of IrelandSloveniaEuro 2016 qualifiersEuro 2016LiverpoolAston VillaFootballSportThu, 04 Jun 2015 12:10:15 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jun/04/fabien-delph-adam-lallana-england-trainingPhotograph: Dougie Allward/JMP/REX/Dougie Allward/JMP/REXFabian Delph picked up an injury during Aston Villa’s 4-0 FA Cup final defeat to Arsenal. Photograph: Dougie Allward/JMP/REXPhotograph: Dougie Allward/JMP/REX/Dougie Allward/JMP/REXFabian Delph picked up an injury during Aston Villa’s 4-0 FA Cup final defeat to Arsenal. Photograph: Dougie Allward/JMP/REXPress Association2015-06-04T12:10:15ZEuro 2016 round-up: Switzerland and Slovenia keep up pursuit of Englandhttp://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/mar/28/european-championship-qualifiers-roundup
• Switzerland ease to comfortable 3-0 victory over Estonia<br />• Slovenia put six past San Marino while Spain edge past Ukraine<br /><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/mar/27/england-lithuania-european-championship-match-report" title="">• Match report: England 4-0 Lithuania</a><br /><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/mar/27/montenegro-russia-euro-2016-qualifier-suspended" title="">• Montenegro v Russia qualifier abandoned after crowd trouble</a><br /><br /><p>England are not showing too many signs of slipping up in Group E, but if they do <strong>Switzerland</strong> and <strong>Slovenia</strong> remain in contention after both won at home.</p><p>Switzerland, who are the top seeds in the group but had a disastrous opening to their campaign after losing at home to England and then away in Slovenia, are now back on track to reach the finals in France after a third successive victory, despatching <strong>Estonia</strong> 3-0 in Lucerne, with the Basel defender Fabian Sch&auml;r heading home the opening goal from a Xherdan Shaqiri cross, and Granit Xhaka doubling the advantage before a late third from Haris Seferovic.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2015/mar/27/international-football-clockwatch-live">Euro 2016 qualifer clockwatch –as it happened | Conrad Leach</a> </p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/mar/28/european-championship-qualifiers-roundup">Continue reading...</a>European ChampionshipSwitzerlandSloveniaEstoniaSan MarinoFootballSportSat, 28 Mar 2015 00:58:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/mar/28/european-championship-qualifiers-roundupPhotograph: Paco Puentes/EPAÁlvaro Morata scored the only goal of the game as Spain overcame Ukraine 1-0 in Sevllie in Group C. Photograph: Paco Puentes/EPAPhotograph: Paco Puentes/EPAÁlvaro Morata scored the only goal of the game as Spain overcame Ukraine 1-0 in Sevllie in Group C. Photograph: Paco Puentes/EPAGuardian sport2015-03-28T00:58:00ZEngland 'buzzed' for match against Scotland, says Jack Wilshere – videohttp://www.theguardian.com/football/video/2014/nov/18/england-scotland-jack-wilshere-celtic-park-video
Arsenal and England midfielder Jack Wilshere looks forward to England's game against Scotland at Celtic Park and says the team are 'buzzing'. He also reflects on learning a more defensive role for England than he plays for Arsenal and discusses the recent 3-1 Euro qualifier victory against Slovenia <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/video/2014/nov/18/england-scotland-jack-wilshere-celtic-park-video">Continue reading...</a>Jack WilshereEnglandScotlandArsenalSloveniaEuro 2016 qualifiersFootballSportEuro 2016Tue, 18 Nov 2014 15:20:33 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/video/2014/nov/18/england-scotland-jack-wilshere-celtic-park-videoR. Parker/Sportsphoto/Sportsphoto Ltd./AllstarJACK WILSHERE OF ENGLAND IS CHALLENGED Photograph: R. Parker/Sportsphoto/Sportsphoto Ltd./AllstarGuardian Staff2014-11-18T15:20:33Z